President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have put forth a call to Congress for imposing term limits and establishing a stringent code of conduct for Supreme Court justices. Additionally, they are advocating for new restrictions on presidential immunity. This bold initiative was revealed by a White House official ahead of Biden’s scheduled remarks at the LBJ Presidential Library, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
In an op-ed published by the Washington Post, Biden elaborated on his proposed reforms.
The proposed reforms include an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices, allowing new appointments every two years. Biden also suggests a comprehensive code of conduct that mandates justices to disclose gifts, abstain from political activities, and recuse themselves from cases where conflicts of interest arise. These measures aim to address ethical concerns and enhance the transparency and accountability of the judiciary.
Vice President Harris, who is also running for president, endorsed these initiatives, pointing to a “crisis of confidence” in the Supreme Court following multiple ethics scandals and controversial decisions overturning long-standing precedents. Harris remarked, “Today, there is a clear crisis of confidence facing the Supreme Court as its fairness has been called into question.”
Furthermore, Biden’s reforms propose eliminating any immunity for former presidents regarding crimes committed while in office. This move seeks to ensure that no individual is above the law and to fortify the principles of accountability and justice.
Biden’s op-ed represents his first significant policy initiative since announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. The White House official conveyed that Biden and Harris are eager to collaborate with Congress to implement these reforms, aiming to empower the American people and strengthen the democratic framework.
